. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/MIN(11)/ST/106 
16 December 2011 
 (11-6811) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Eighth Session Geneva, 15 - 17 December 2011 Original:   English 
 
  
CHINA 
 
Statement by Mr. Deming Chen 
Minister of Commerce 
 
 
While we meet here, the world economy and th e multilateral trading system are caught in a 
critical situation. This calls for our joint efforts to overcome the difficulties. For this reason, I would 
like to offer a few thoughts. 
 
First, building consensus for the full conclusion of the Doha Round 
 
The Doha Round talks have hit the wall. Despite  this, Ministers here remain committed to 
conclude the Round of a single undertaking. The Doha  negotiations need to respect the development 
mandate and the progress made so far. This is the on ly way forward. China is open to any new way so 
long as it follows the mandate and the principles just  highlighted. China will continue pushing ahead 
the talks with other Members. China thinks th at only after the Doha Round is completed will 
Members be confident to engage in in -depth discussions on new issues of the 21st century. 
 Second, keeping the development promise as a first priority  
In the last 10 years, the world has undergone  many changes, but development remains the 
main theme of the day. China has always believed that development concerns of the LDCs should be 
high on the agenda of the WTO’s work and sh ould be addressed properly and promptly. As a 
developing Member, China is willing to provide assi stance within its ability  through South-South 
cooperation and in response to the WTO “Aid-for-T rade” Initiative. Recently, Chinese President Hu 
Jintao announced that China would provide duty-fr ee treatment to products of 97% tariff lines from 
the LDCs that have diplomatic ties with China. Y esterday, I also issued a press communiqué with the 
Ministers and representatives of the Cotton-4 countr ies to help build thei r capacity in trade and 
development.  Third, strengthening the multilateral trading system with determination  
The important role of the multilateral tradi ng system in global governance has been fully 
tested by history. Now, to strengthen the system is therefore absolutely crucial. It will help to pull the 
world economy out of difficulties and fighting agains t protectionism. The accession of Russia, Samoa, 
Vanuatu and Montenegro to the WTO family further proves the value of the system. China would like 
to extend its warm welcome to all of them. Furthe rmore, to ensure the healthy development of the 
system, the WTO Members should firmly support the openness and non-discrimination principles and guard against any attempt that departs from the multilateral consensus.  
Just four days ago, China celebrated the 10
th anniversary of its accession to the WTO. The 
10-year development of China tells a successful stor y not only of itself but also of the world. As WT/MIN(11)/ST/106 
Page 2  
 
  China’s steady and rapid development is expected to continue in the years ahead, it will certainly 
contribute to the world economic growth. Ch ina will further support the development and 
improvement of the multilateral trading system and c ontinue its opening-up policy for mutual benefit 
and win-win for all countries. 
 
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